Coming off a big road win against No. 15 South Dakota last weekend, Illinois State (3-4, 1-3 MVFC) continues its two-game road swing this weekend against longtime in-state rival Western Illinois (1-7, 1-4 MVFC) at Hanson Field in Macomb.

Freshman running back Cole Mueller had a career day in Illinois State's road win over No. 15 South Dakota and for his efforts, he was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week by the league office. The weekly honor is the second of the season for a Redbird player and the first for Mueller in his ISU career. The Wentzville, Missouri, native ran for a career-high 178 yards on 25 carries and scored a touchdown to lead the Redbirds to the victory over the Coyotes. 

The Redbird defense has picked up the offense on several occasions this season, but perhaps saved their best performance of the year for its win at No. 15 South Dakota.

The 'Birds held a USD offense that came into the game averaging 30 points per contest and over 300 yards of total offense to just 14 points and 269 yards in the victory. They also forced a fumble, recorded six TFLs and came up with two crucial interceptions against the Coyotes. The first resulted in a 20-yard pick six by linebacker Kenton Wilhoit and the second secured the win when Jarrell Jackson dove for the INT to give the offense the ball back and take a knee. 

Game time is 3 pm local time in Macomb.